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List of famous Arsenal fans | Including the Queen, Daniel Kaluuya, Idris Elba and Harry Kane?

Written by Luke Martin
Last Update: April 9, 2024
Published on

Arsenal, popularly known as the Gunners, are once again on the brink of clinching the EPL title in the 2023/24 season. They missed it by a whisker last season but the latest stats show Mikel Arteta's men now have the title in their hands, mathematically and on goal difference.  And behind Arsenal's success has been a huge following, thanks to fanatical support from fans all around the world. In retrospect, the passion, the zeal and the determination of the Gunners have remained unmatched in many aspects.

So apart from the big question, we note that Arsenal fans transcend the boundaries of fame, and here Football Ground Guide gives you a guide to some of the most notable Gunners supporters.

From renowned entertainers to athletic legends and influential personalities, the Arsenal family spans various spheres of prominence.

Did the Queen support Arsenal?

It is clear that even if Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t a diehard Arsenal fan she certainly had a soft spot for the Gunners. In February 2007, Arsenal became the only football club to be invited for afternoon tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

However, it is reported that the invite came due to the Queen’s disappointment in not being able to cut the ribbon to officially open the Emirates Stadium in 2006, not due to her being an Arsenal fan.

The Queen was reportedly secretly a West Ham United fan, a revelation that reportedly “shocked” her Buckingham Palace staff. The Daily Mirror shed light on this supposed allegiance, suggesting that Her Majesty's love for the Hammers was a well-kept secret and dated back to the tenure of ex-West Ham manager Ron Greenwood in the 1960s.

However, amidst the conflicting tales, former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas provided a twist in 2007, affirming that the Queen personally disclosed her favouritism for Arsenal.

The royal pitch extends beyond the Queen, reaching Prince Harry's, reported, candid confession to a friend of being an Arsenal fan during a moment at Twickenham.

However, as the football winds blow, Prince William takes a different path, favouring Aston Villa. Meanwhile, King Charles follows his own football passion, proudly waving the Burnley flag.

Actors who support the Gunners

Born in Hackney in London Idris Elba says he has always been an Arsenal fan. On That Peter Crouch Podcast, the Luther actor recalled encountering members of West Ham’s firm when he was twelve years old.

“They used to terrorise us at school and I remember I had an Arsenal shirt given to me somewhere and I wore an Arsenal shirt and they were screaming at me and shouting at me and I just felt really powerful in it.”

He added that the Arsenal shirt became “sort of my superhero thing.”

Academy Award and BAFTA-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya is also a lifelong Arsenal fan. The Get out and Black Panther actor narrated Amazon's All or Nothing documentary on Arsenal’s 2021/22 season.

Is Benedict Cumberbatch an Arsenal fan?

Benedict Cumberbatch and Colin Firth are just two more actors reported to be Arsenal fans.

Other actors who support Arsenal include:

  • Demi Moore
  • Hugh Laurie
  • Jamie Foxx
  • Andrew Garfield
  • Matt Lucas
  • Daisy Ridley
Benedick Cumberbatch is one of many actors who are part of the famous Arsenal fans club
Benedict Cumberbatch is more often spotted at Wimbledon, but he's a Gooner! Photo by PA Images/Icon Sport

Other famous Arsenal fans

Is Jay-Z an Arsenal fan?

Inspired by his friendship with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, rapper Jay-Z embraced the Gunners' fandom, expressing his admiration for their beautiful football style.

The rapper reportedly even contemplated purchasing shares in the club and securing a spot in the boardroom, revealing his desire to be actively involved in decision-making.

Jay-Z's commitment to Arsenal reached such heights that he hinted at a potential move to London with wife Beyoncé to immerse himself further in the club's affairs.

Is Mick Jagger an Arsenal fan?

The Rolling Stones lead singer is also a massive Arsenal fan and was seen watching the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Fulham in March this year.

Other music stars include:

  • Rihanna
  • Chris Martin
  • Jess Glynne
Mick Jagger is another one of the famous Arsenal fans
Mick Jagger at a recent El Clasico | Photo by Icon Sport

Is Mo Farah an Arsenal fan?

Team GB legend Mo Farah, hailing from Somalia, has long been an ardent supporter of Arsenal. In 2016, he shared that his affinity for Arsenal began in his childhood upon arriving in Britain, drawn to their playing style and the presence of players with African backgrounds.

Farah's dedication to the Gunners goes beyond fandom; he even wanted his son's middle name to be ‘Arsenal' and harbours aspirations to work as a fitness coach for the club.

Piers Morgan: The Arsenal fan provocateur

Piers Morgan has been an Arsenal fan since his childhood and has evolved into the club's outspoken provocateur, captivating a large audience on X (formerly Twitter).

While the British journalist claims to be just a passionate fan sharing sentiments akin to those in a pub, Morgan wields a unique influence.

Known for his candid critiques, he certainly didn’t shy away from calling for the dismissal of former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger on numerous occasions. He has also gone in on multiple players and the club as a whole multiple times.

Morgan's Arsenal fervour isn't confined to the stands; it permeates through his outspoken role.

Which football players support Arsenal?

Is Harry Kane an Arsenal fan?

Most English football fans will have seen the photo of a young Harry Kane in an Arsenal kit but did he actually support the Gunners?

The England captain did spend a year in Arsenal’s youth academy but was released. So, as much as Arsenal fans like to use the picture to torment their North London rivals, the England captain insists he has never been an Arsenal fan.

Harry Kane in an Arsenal shirt

Which Arsenal players are Arsenal fans?

Several players across football are Arsenal supporters despite not playing for the club. But, there are also a few who are living the dream and playing for the club. Both Zinchenko and Saliba were pictured in Arsenal kits when younger.

“When I was growing up I watched all the Champions League games. I couldn’t watch the other games because we didn’t have all the channels, but that was the first time I watched Arsenal, in the Champions League. Then I had an Arsenal shirt when I was about seven or eight years old. I loved watching Arsenal,” said Saliba in an interview in 2022.

Other famous footballers reported to support the Gunners include:

  • Wilfried Zaha
  • Antonio Rudiger
  • Fikayo Tomori
  • David Alaba
  • Dejan Kulusevski
  • Ollie Watkins
  • Tammy Abraham

Will Arsenal deliver the EPL title to enthusiastic fans in 2023/24?

Given the calibre of fans behind Arsenal's success, especially in recent years, the Gunners have a huge responsibility this season. The fans are weary but expecting the best season of their lives.

The road to a Premier League title had been a rough one but the signs are giving. With no loss at home so far, the Emirates Stadium is once against a fortress. The Gunners manager Mike Arteta is hopeful of a big comeback in the 2023/24 season after a failed attempt to clinch the EPL silverware in the 2022/23 season.

The race to the 2023/24 Premier League title had now narrowed down to three prospective title contenders namely Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. The Gunners lead the pack on goal difference, so any point at this moment in time is crucial for the fans who are anxious yet hopeful. In the 2022/23 season, fans accused the club of bottling their chances as they finished 5 points behind Man City, thanks to avoidable mistakes the club made in the run-up to the final games of the season.

Famous Arsenal fan Pier Morgan is hopeful based on his social media activities. And so are many other Gunners who are looking ahead to a bountiful harvest at the end of the 2023/24 season.